Tag: Montefioralle

We’ve been visiting several of the beautiful hill towns in Chianti, but the one that is the most memorable is Montefioralle. We arrived there after driving up a long winding hill and parked in a beautiful shaded area at the base of the wall that surrounds the tiny village.

Montefioralle is nestled in the heart of the Chianti region on a hilltop facing the Greve valley. The views are ones you dream about – vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. Narrow stone streets climb through the village, surrounded by ancient stone houses, beautiful old doors with a golden patina, and cascading flowers in window boxes. It feels magical – a step back in time where you only hear birds and the wind rustling leaves.

The village and castle of Montefioralle were an important stronghold during the wars between Florence and Siena – which we have heard quite a bit about since arriving. A house in the circular main street is the birth-place of Amerigo Vespucci. The doorway is identified by the wasp (“vespa”) and V of the Vespucci family. As a bit of history, America is named after Amerigo Vespucci. He was an explorer and the first person to recognize North and South America as distinct continents.

As you walk through Montefioralle it’s so quiet and deserted you have the feeling no one lives here, and then you come upon a small For Sale sign – 50 sq meter/one room, terrace, basement. Needs work – no price. You can own a little bit of heaven. But for what price? I think it could be worth looking into.